“You vanished for nearly two weeks without a word, and now you want me to just drop everything again?” Lisa sighed, the sound tinged with irritation. “Mom, please. I don’t need a lecture. I just need some help. You’re my mom. You’re supposed to be there.” Something in Helen snapped. Her voice came out calm but edged with steel. “I was there. For everything.
Every late pickup, every night you couldn’t cook, every moment you needed someone to hold it all together. But you only remember me when it’s convenient, Lisa.” There was a pause on the line, long enough that Helen could hear Lisa’s shallow breathing. “Mom…” Lisa started, her voice uncertain.